SOUTH TOMS RIVER — A 25-year-old Toms River man was killed following a motorcycle crash that led to a chain-reaction collision with two vehicles Monday evening, authorities said.
Officers from the South Toms River Police Department were called shortly before 5:40 p.m. on January 5 to Atlantic City Boulevard near Mathis Plaza after reports of an unconscious motorcyclist on the roadway shoulder. Emergency responders were already providing lifesaving care when police arrived.
The rider was identified as Kenneth Gerisch of Toms River. He was taken to Community Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators said Gerisch was traveling south on Herflicker Boulevard and approaching the merge onto Atlantic City Boulevard when he lost control of the motorcycle. The bike fell onto its side and slid across the centerline into oncoming traffic, striking one vehicle and then a second vehicle traveling behind it.
The crash scene was handled with assistance from the Toms River Fire Department, South Toms River First Aid Squad, Robert Wood Johnson Paramedics and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
Police said Gerisch’s family has been notified. The incident remains under investigation by Patrolman Dominick Palino. Witnesses are asked to contact South Toms River police at 732-349-0313, extension 126, or by email at dpalino@strpd.us.
